Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2020, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know these new authors and can offer them your support.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Ambitious, creative, compassionate, humorous, and optimistic.
In a world filled with darkness, I have always looked to the light toward the helpers and the problem solvers. What I have found is that through every challenge in our society, there can be some good that comes forward, while often not directly in the way we want, but over time. Through my work with young people and service in the community, I’m regularly rejuvenated in my philosophy of optimism. With every challenge, there is a way forward because someone will be inspired to make a positive change somewhere in the world. When I write, I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders. My optimism is fueled by the belief in the human spirit and our ability to make a way out of no way.
Explain your writing procedure, such as how you come up with ideas, carve out time to write (or, if you can write anywhere at any time during the day), deal with writer’s block, or anything particular or peculiar.
In the early stages of a new project, I find inspiration everywhere. All I need is a spark of an idea I can’t let go, and I have found those in a variety of ways: through reading, television, film, movies, articles, even daydreaming. If I can’t let go of an idea, I know it’s the “one.” For all my ideas, I write a brief paragraph on a Trello board (a free online project board). This is where I track all my projects, keep note of writing goals, character image inspirations, notes, research, etc.
Once I have settled on a project, I free write a few pages of the idea and wait a few weeks. If I still love the project, I start “pantsing” for 10,000 words on my computer. Pantsing with no plans, outlines, or structure. This means I could write any scene I want, beginning, middle, even the end. Usually, this process takes a month. I love to polish the first 10,000. Previously before I had an agent and an editor, I would keep pantsing through a project. Now with clear deadlines, I work from an outline. With my editor, I have to write a “pitch” of my project similar to a query and a full synopsis. I build my synopsis from my outline. Then I submit my first three chapters, pitch, and synopsis. Once I have the go-ahead to move forward, I begin working on the novel.
Part of my writing process includes research, which I do throughout the entire writing process. During the weekdays in the evenings, I do my research and reading, and the weekends fast track to 50-60,000 words of a rough draft over a few months. I rush through the first draft because the magic for me is in the revisions. Revisions allow me the space to build out my characters, the setting, and new components, and new characters will even appear. While I revise, I go into my sessions with a specific goal of word count or chapter(s). I map my plan out on Trello and stick to my schedule. With a timeline set, you can make incredible progress toward a polished novel.
Lastly, once completed, I share with my agent and beta readers or critique partners, complete another round of revisions, then begin working with my editor directly through the various stages of revisions prior to publishing a novel.
Balance is the key to successful living. How do you balance the act of writing with other priorities, such as your job, family or fun activities, and self-care?
For me to balance out my life, I have a structured writing schedule. This is essential for me since I hold a full-time professional position and am a mother of elementary and middle school children. Being able to write every day is not an option for me so I prioritize my writing time in focused three-hour blocks on Saturday and Sunday. During each session, I enter with a specific goal or plan to allow me to maximize the limited time I can commit to writing. Under pressure for time is a huge motivator for me in knowing I need to make progress. Because if I fall behind, that means it might cut into time with my husband and kids. Sometimes I accomplish this task of completing a novel by using vacation time over a week at various times throughout the year so that while my children are at school and my partner is at work, I can use the whole day to make progress. Although taking a vacation to write isn’t practicing good self-care since I’m not totally unplugged, I do find so much satisfaction in being able to write.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
While my audience might be broad because young adult readers aren’t just teens, I write with the teen in mind. I never try to downplay topics in my book as I also know teens are bright enough to pick up the complex things I write about, so I don’t overexplain. I like to challenge readers while at the same time keeping enjoyment in reading. That means I know the importance of balancing difficult topics with tender moments and filling it with hopefulness while being realistic.
Most present on my mind are Black teens, the reason I began writing young adult books. There’s been such limited representation for Black protagonists in books, so I want Black readers to be the heroes in their journey and the issues they care about to be in books. Also, I want them to have an abundance of stories to read from social justice to magical adventures. Most importantly, I want them to feel seen and heard through my writing.
Tell us about your book.
This is My America can be described as Dear Martin and The Hate U Give meets Just Mercy in this unflinching yet uplifting novel that explores the racist injustices in the American justice system.
For years, seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont, has been writing letters to an organization that helps wrongfully convicted people. She pleads with them to help her father, an innocent man on death row. Then the unthinkable happens, her brother is also wrongfully accused of murder, now it’s up to Tracy to figure out what happened and prove her brother’s innocence while saving her father.
Reviews:
“An incredible and searing examination of the often tragic collision of racism and a flawed criminal justice system. Read and reread … and reread again.” –Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin
“This is My America promises a powerful story about racial injustice, featuring stunning prose reminiscent of Nic Stone and Angie Thomas.” —Paste Magazine
“Harrowing and worthwhile; a call-to-action from the anti-racist insights of a generation of black activists.” —Kirkus, starred review
“This strong debut will strike home with socially conscious readers.” –Booklist
“A strong debut. Will appeal to readers of Angie Thomas and fans of criminal justice podcasts like Serial and In the Dark.” –SLJ
This Is My America (Random House BYR, Young Adult, 416 Pages, July 28, 2020) Pre-Order
Kim Johnson held leadership positions in social justice organizations as a teen. She’s now a college administrator who maintains civic engagement throughout the community while also mentoring Black student activists and leaders. She holds degrees from the University of Oregon and the University of Maryland, College Park. Kim lives her best life in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
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